TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES

Although there is no cure for COPD, different interventions can improve quality of life, reduce the number of flare ups, reduce hospitalizations, and avoid some early deaths.

The most commonly used interventions include:

• Smoking cessation: is the only intervention that slows the disease progression.
• Oxygen therapy: is indicated only in patients with advanced COPD and low blood oxygen levels. It is the only treatment that may prolong life in these patients.
• Bronchodilators: frequently used puffers that help open the airways, improve quality of life and are a mainstay of treatment for COPD
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: improves exercise capacity, decreases hospitalizations, and enhances the quality of life.
• Antibiotics: given only for acute flare ups of respiratory infection, but not for long-term therapy.
• Inhaled steroids: another type of puffers used in addition to the other interventions.